TOPIC: projector bulb query

I need to know the type of bulb which was used in movie theater projectors prior to the introduction of the Xenon bulb. There is a pair of free tickets riding on this. Thanks for your help. Please reply via e-mail. Chris

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Xenon lamps started to become popular in theatres during the late 1950's, led by Osram and Zeiss. By 1970, conversion was in full swing, with a variety of manufacturers. Most people credit the invention of xenon lamps and platters with allowing the automation that enabled the multiplex theatre. (But please don't confuse the labor savings enabled by automation with the quality enabled by a skilled projectionist, even if they handle a dozen screens. Keep a truly skilled person in the booth.)

Prior to xenon, carbon arc was the primary lamphouse light source for theatres. Smaller lamps used non-rotating copper-coated rods, large ones often used high intensity rotating positive carbons, and copper-coated negatives. I remember collecting copper drippings for the Will Rogers Fund.

Tungsten lamps have lower light output and lower color temperature, suitable for audio-visual projectors on small screens, but not usually used in theatres.
John P. Pytlak
Senior Technical Specialist
EI Worldwide Technical Services
Research Labs, Building 69
Eastman Kodak Company
Rochester, NY 14650-1922
Telephone: 716-477-5325
Fax: 716-722-7243
E-Mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it